City of Allentown
Position Description
Grade Number: 14M Part Time
Department: Bureau of Recycling & Solid Waste / Public Works
Union: SEIU
GENERAL PURPOSE
This is a sworn enforcement official responsible for assuring compliance with animal control regulations. An employee in this class is responsible for capturing and confining stray, diseased, unlicensed and apparently dangerous domestic animals, and may occasionally be required to handle wildlife, farm or exotic animals. Duties include the investigation of animal-related complaints which require the employee to exercise independent judgment and tact due to the amount of direct public contact. The Animal Control Officer works independently although the freedom to act is normally limited to completing assignments within the bounds of established policies and procedures; makes technical recommendations and issues official orders when necessary. The Animal Control Officer reports directly to the SWEEP and Animal Control Manager.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direct supervision of the SWEEP Manager.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Does not exercise supervision over other positions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
" Captures and impounds animals found at large, vicious or injured, by the use of pole snares, tongs, traps and other methods.
" Investigates complaints involving animal nuisances, animal infestations, animal bite reports, and animal cruelty cases.
" Organize and manage time; prioritize workload to meet program objectives.
" Document investigation activities clearly and concisely in written form; use computer to enter and extract data.
" Issues notices of violation, SWEEP tickets and/or citations and serves as the City's prosecutor at hearings at the District Justice level.
" Performs general animal health assessments such as age, weight and condition; in emergencies; obtains necessary veterinary care.
" Establish and maintain effective working relationships via oral and written communications with associates, local police and judiciary, animal welfare agencies and the general public.
" Conducts public presentations on such topics as animal owner responsibilities, disease prevention and the general provisions of the animal control ordinance and State dog laws.
" Responds to public health emergencies and assumes the role designated in the public health emergency response plan.
" Provide quality and effective customer service with courtesy and understanding to our customers, citizens and internal departments.
" Performs related work as may be required.
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
(A) Graduation from high school or G.E.D.
(B) Minimum of one (1) year experience in the handling of animals, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
(C) Training and Certification for the use of specialized equipment.
(D) Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
(A) Knowledge of the State and local laws and regulations related to the care and keeping of animals.
(B) Knowledge of safety practices concerning the capture, handling and disposition of animals; experience in the use of snares, nets, tongs and other tools used in the capture and handling of animals.
(C) Ability to document observations and witness statements accurately in a clear, concise manner.
(D) Ability to interact with and speak to the public; displays good communication and interpersonal skills.
(E) Ability to conduct investigations, collect evidence and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at enforcement/compliance recommendations.
(F) Ability to utilize personal computing equipment and perform data entry.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possess valid PA driver's license of the applicable class. Obtain and maintain necessary job related accreditations.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
The following, but not limited to: Cell phone, radio, computer, flashlight, animal traps of various types, animal snares, poles, nets, leashes and leads, cages, animal carriers, bite stick, pepper spray, Taser gun, tranquilizer dart gun, personal protective equipment, gloves, bite suit.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to spend extended portions of the day sitting, driving a vehicle and walking; must be able to lift up to seventy (70) pounds from various positions; must be able to guide/assist animals up a ramp into a cage; must be able to exert reasonable force to control large animals on a snare or lead; must have the manual dexterity to operate various mechanical and non-mechanical devices (e.g., animal snares, traps); enters and negotiates confined spaces and construction sites; climbs four or more flights of stairs at any one time; discerns odors; climbs ladders with assistance; withstands extended exposure to extremes of temperature outdoors.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work environment includes office, police station, court rooms, animal shelters, correctional institutions, residences (both occupied and vacant), and commercial, manufacturing and industrial settings. Performance of duties may be required at emergency response scenes and shelters. Unsanitary conditions, vectors and aggressive animals will be encountered. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors and may include exposure to inclement weather. The noise level in these work environments can range from quiet to loud.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related test is required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
